ENDOSCOPY OF THE COLON OR UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
Endoscopy is a procedure that allows your surgeon to examine the inside lining of the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine or large intestine (colon).
There are two types of endoscopy:
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gastroscopy
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colonoscopy
An endoscopic procedure may take between 5 and 60 minutes.
COLONOSCOPY
After the sedative has been given and you start to relax, your surgeon will ask you to lie on your left side and draw your knees up, and the lubricated colonoscope is inserted into your anus. This procedure does not generally cause discomfort, and most people sleep through it.
GASTROSCOPY
After you are sedated, your surgeon will insert the gastroscope into your mouth. The surgeon slowly guides the gastroscope down the oesophagus and into the stomach.
RECOVERY AFTER GASTROSCOPY & COLONOSCOPY
Once your examination is complete you are escorted to a recovery area. You will not be able to eat or drink for about an hour and may need to stay in recovery for up to three hours. Arrange to have a friend or relative take you home. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, drink alcohol or make important decisions until the next day.
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If you have a gastroscopy, it is common to have a sore throat for a day or two. Patients often have a full feeling and pass gas for a while after the procedure. Soft stools and changes in bowel movements are common for the first day or so. Stools should not be black or contain blood clots.
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Colonoscopy patients report feeling bloated and often pass a lot of gas. Walking may relieve this. You may also pass small quantities of blood in the first stool.
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If clots or larger amounts of blood are passed, contact your surgeon at once.